Are You Happy? – Finding and Keeping Happiness

Are you happy? When is the last time you even thought about that question? What does that even mean to you? Why is it so hard to answer?

If you are a parent, especially if you are a single parent, work outside of the home, or have a child with special needs, chances are you haven’t had time to think about this for a while. You are probably running on autopilot, just trying to keep your head above water while you tend to everything and everyone. So stand back, take a breath, and think about the question.

Why, you might ask, is this even important? After all, as long as the kids’ needs are being met and things that need to get done are, what does it matter if you’re happy? Well, it DOES matter!

Chances are, you are the rock, the very foundation upon which your family is built. You are the glue that holds it all together. So while you may often feel overwhelmed, unappreciated, and unimportant, your happiness matters a lot. It matters to those that look up to you. It matters to those for whom you set the tone. It matters to those that rely on you. They WANT you to be happy. And the truth is, if you’re not happy, nobody is happy.

So now you may be wondering how to be happy. It’s not that hard, once you remember what it was like. Close your eyes and think about a time when you were happy. Ask yourself what about that time in your life made you happy, and make efforts to incorporate some of that back into your life.

For example, if you were happiest when you went to the gym every night before you ha children, figure out how to get back to the gym a couple times each week. If you are happiest when with your friends or family, make them a bigger priority. Whether it’s hiking, knitting, or Mah Jong, figure out what makes you happy and do more of it.